CHICAGO (November 13, 2021)
 
In Short
Five players scored in double digits, led by Aher Uguak with 18 points, and Loyola University Chicago (2-0) held off a second-half rally to take down Florida Gulf Coast (1-1), 89-77, this afternoon at Gentile Arena. The victory extends the Ramblers' winning streak at home to 24 games, which is the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.
 
Coach Valentine's Thoughts
"We weathered a storm today. I thought we were undisciplined defensively, but we will be better, and I thought our experience is what really helped us weather the storm."
 
How It Happened
Three-pointers from Marquise Kennedy, Uguak and Tate Hall, along with a conventional three-point play courtesy of Chris Knight, were a big part of Loyola's 17-6 run that wiped away a one-point deficit and gave the Ramblers a 22-12 lead with 13:18 left in the opening period. 
 
Loyola was clicking on all cylinders offensively in the opening period and eventually extended its advantage to 51-31, its largest of the afternoon, on a free throw by Lucas Williamson, before taking a 51-33 edge into the break.
 
Tavian Dunn-Martin single-handedly brought Florida Gulf Coast back into the contest, burying seven three-pointers in the closing 20 minutes, en route to his game-high 34 points. His fifth triple of the second half got the Eagles within eight points (61-53), but Loyola answered by rattling off seven straight tallies, the final two coming on a thunderous dunk by Kennedy, that bumped the lead to 68-53 with 9:49 remaining.
 
Minutes later, an Austin Richie layup cut the Ramblers' lead to 70-66, but Tate Hall's three from the corner capped an ensuing 14-5 run that nudged Loyola's advantage to 84-71 with 1:42 left to go, to seal the outcome. 
 
A Look at the Numbers

• Loyola put five players in double-figure scoring, led by Uguak with 18. The 6-foot-7 graduate student hit 7 of his 8 field goal attempts and added four rebounds, three assists and a block on the day.
• Tom Welch (15 points) and Chris Knight (14 points) provided some enormous minutes and production off the bench, combining for 29 points in 29 minutes today, while hitting 11 of 16 shots from the floor. 
• Hall dropped in 12 points, sinking three triples, and Williamson added 10 points, eight boards, four assists and a pair of steals.
• Braden Norris filled the stat sheet, going for nine points, five rebounds, eight assists and a pair of steals for a Loyola squad the shot 53.2 percent (33-for-620 from the field.
• Florida Gulf Coast became the first nonconference opponent to score more than 60 points at Gentile Arena since IUPUI (62) on November 20, 2019.

 
Up Next
Loyola has a quick turnaround, returning to action Tuesday night (Nov. 16) when it hosts Chicago State. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and the game will be televised live on NBC Sports Chicago.